Bathing suits -check. Life Jacket - check. Water?

Remember this old post?

The post about the business cards?

Well - it turned into 2 new jobs! One for a Hair Stylist:

 and another for a talented Jewelry Designer:

Check out Daddys little rocker ...

She really is HIS child. no doubt. (watch her little legs go)

Im Great because Im a Mom.

I had just moved away to college at the age of 18 when I found out I was pregnant. I had only been there 3 short weeks. At that point in my life I had only an idea of what I wanted for my life. I had barely declared a major. I was three weeks moved out of my parents house. Three weeks.

I told a few select people about my circumstances and of course, got a whole realm of responses - everything from "you can do this", to "think long & hard" ... to just a few "shushmortion" responses. Ultimately I chose what I knew was right for me. There was no 'sweeping it under the rug' - this was real and it was here and it was happening. I was 18, unwed and pregnant. Pregnant. I had no idea how much my life would change from that very moment.

I found a letter today that I had written not long after finding out. It was gut-wrenching to read and brought back the wave of emotions that I felt at that time. The letter was to God - a prayer. I prayed that I would "have the strength to stay positive and grateful for my blessings, even when things got rough." I asked that God "comforted my parents when they first learn about the baby." I even prayed that my dad was not "mad". I prayed that I would one day obtain my Bachelors degree and teach my child to reach for his or her own dreams no matter how challenging. I remember so clearly the day I wrote the note and the struggle I felt after learning I was to soon become a mom. unwed, unprepared, unconventionally pregnant.

This was 10 years ago.

Its been a long road trying to learn & grow all while raising Kalina. Navigating my way while trying to do right by her has been challenging, to say the least. Ive done so many things wrong. Reading that letter made me realize Ive also done some things right too. Ive even accomplished some goals that I set. At this point in my life I just became a mom for the 2nd time around and from the entire opposite end of the spectrum. This time I am able to slow down, take it all in, share the burden & celebrate the joys of this new baby with my Husband and Daughter. I feel much better equipped this time around. I doubt I would appreciate my life as much as I do now had I not been down the path I chose at a ripe age of 18. I wouldn't be as confident, as patient or as appreciative. That, I can be certain of.

So on this Mothers Day I am so incredibly thankful that I'm able to be a mom. Some mothers struggle with being defined as just a 'mom' - but I feel like I wouldnt even be half as great, not even a third as cool, as I am, without my girls. They make my heart swell infinitely.

My Rolly Polly

My baby ROLLS!! She rolled from tummy to back a long time ago but didnt do much rolling since then. I was beginning to wonder if she'd ever roll. This morning she proved me wrong. Shes rolling like crazy. Its so amazing how fast they change. I can already envision her running circles around me ... 

My Littlest Reader

Saying Goodbye to The Beast

David decided to part ways with The Beast. 

It was a sad sad day.

David says the Next one will have a backseat for the girls ... thats something to look forward to. ;)

Easter Sunday

Im a little upset that I didnt get my girls in their easter dresses but I shouldve known they wouldnt last long :(

Our Snow Day

We went up to Tahoe for the day and had a wonderful time. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. Kalina took a lesson and by the end of the day she was jammin' down the mountain! Her teacher said she has mastered toeside & heelside! Yayyy!

Where should I start ...

So much has happened lately that I dont know where to start ...

Kalina is doing awesome in school, taking guitar lessons, reading like crazy and enjoying playing outside with these longer days.  

Brooklyn is growing fast and doing more things everyday. She is eating solids now! She is 5 months old and vocal as ever. Her favorite things are still bathtime and being held all day long. :)

Heres B in her new Jumperoo ...

and her 5 mo. photoshoot ;) ...

Uncle picking on Lina ...

Aunt Carol with Brooklyn.

Eagerly awaiting her first taste of Rice Cereal ...

Sore Throat, Week 3

Yes - I know I havent posted much lately but to be honest, Ive felt far from blogworthy lately.

Ive pretty much had a sore throat for the past 3 weeks straight.

I went to the Dr. after the first few days and they said the sore throat was caused by a virus (I was coughing & had a runny nose as well) 

Then I went again a few days later since it wasnt getting ANY better (I was scared I had strep.) I caught flack from most of them because I kept insisting it was strep. I know they were rolling there eyes as they left the room, as I sit there being a complete crybaby over a sore throat. I didnt care ... I was on day 10 of said sore throat and was certain it was more than a virus. 

Needless to say, The strep culture was negative and they again said it was a virus. They told me I needed to give it time. My husband even went so far as to tell me Im just not "used" to being sick and thats why it seemed so bad. Right. So my throat doesnt really hurt so bad that Im losing weight because I cant fricken EAT?! Okay - so obviously Im getting a little grumpy too.

The days kept passing and the sore throat isnt going away - Ive gargled with salt water, used a humidifier, gargled with more salt water, tried Hydrogen Peroxide gargle, drank hot tea, ate spoonfuls of honey, and even tried to 'think' myself better. (My Brother told me if I told myself I felt better, then I would feel better.)

Anyhow - now I sit here on day 21 of this lovely sore throat. Now Im convinced I have mono. Now I get to watch them roll there eyes at this diagnosis. Its that or a sinus infection ...